The Minns Labor Government has delivered yet another blow to regional communities dealing with the botched renewables rollout, rewarding Western Sydney with hundreds of jobs through a new renewables manufacturing hub.
NSW Nationals' Leader Dugald Saunders said it's hard to fathom why the Premier and Environment Minister are putting this investment in Blacktown over the bush, when the city won't feel any of the impact of this transition but will reap all the benefits.
"It's our communities that are hosting these projects in their backyards and it's our communities that are suffering for it, yet they are the ones that miss out," Mr Saunders said.
"I have always said it's regional NSW that is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to renewables and impacted residents, businesses and communities need to be fairly compensated.
"The recent report from the inquiry examining the regional impact of renewable energy zones has again reinforced the need for a pause and stocktake on all projects across the state."
Mr Saunders said there are long-standing concerns around the lack of consultation and growing community angst, which is why an urgent moratorium is needed because the government isn't doing anywhere near enough to protect those being affected.
"The fact the state's only active REZ is already completely overblown should sound the alarm that we need to hit the brakes and make changes before it's too late.
"Labor has failed at every hurdle here and today's announcement is yet another example of regional communities being completely let down."
